Is Traditional or Self Publishing Right For You? | Publishing in 2024 📚

[@ZenithVibe]

Emily, you're too good a talker! I suggest you take up talking vlog covering related areas like visiting bookstors, talking to authors, attending writer's conference, and, of course, visiting museums. I am very sure you'll really do a good job of it. And reap plenty of viewers too. That will lift your channel to some other level.

[@EmilyReadsBooks]

Hiii omg you're too kind. I would love to do that! My schedule is crazy busy these days, but I'm hoping to do some of these things when it opens up!

[@WellTraveledBooks]

you always put out such informational and concise videos! it is so true that you want to find an agent and editor that will work well with you and that you like!

[@EmilyReadsBooks]

Yes! It's super important for the long run with your book and work!

[@keiththorpe9571]

My own self-publishing journey with my first book was somewhat fraught. I'm lucky in that my sister and my sister-in-law are both editors, they've helped me with development and copyediting, so that was one big expense saved. Now, as far as those in the industry who feel trad-publishing is more "legit" than self publishing, those folks can go hug a cactus. The vast majority of traditionally published books these days don't sell any better or find an audience any faster than self published, for the simple fact that something like 99% of traditionally published books receive 0 marketing and promotional support from the publisher. First question most publishers ask is: What kind of social media presence does the writer have? Because marketing, promotion, and advertising is on the author. So, to anyone hesitant to self publish because they feel trad publishing is gonna take them further, or is looked upon as more legitimate, I would urge them to reconsider. Traditional publishing houses and firms can be as much of a hinderance these days as they can be an asset.

[@EmilyReadsBooks]

You are so right. When I tell people I'm self-published they often scoff thinking it's the 'easy' way and that I am not really an author. I wish more people knew exactly what kind of work goes into this! I love all the insight you bring to my videos. Thank you, Keith!

[@mattie1478]

small publishers don't pay advances sometimes but they do split royalties more evenly (e.g. 50% on ebooks when big publishers typically give 10%) which means you get royalties your first year after publication. after 2-3 years it will almost definitely be less than what a big five would give in an advance but after like a decade it sometimes evens out

[@EmilyReadsBooks]

Thank you for this information! It's cool to see that overtime you probably make about the same as a big publisher going indie. I feel like if more people knew that, they'd be less scared to go with a small press. I've seen excellent work come out of them, and I wish more people would venture out from the big 5.

[@WellTraveledBooks]

also WAIT IS THIS YOUR VALENTINES VEST?!

[@EmilyReadsBooks]

IT IS!!!!!